Golf Score Registration

ABSTRACT

A method for golf score registration in a golf score registration system includes a terminal located in or near a clubhouse and/or a start box at first tee with a console that allows each player to check in to and check out of the system before and after a game of golf, tee boxes located near each tee on the course with a console that allows each player to enter scoring information from the previously completed hole, means for communication between boxes on the course and a central unit, and individual information carriers that each player bring on to the course while playing. Each console has at least one reader through which it can communicate with the information carriers, and a display indicating the function of respective reader. A first console provides the option to play a game with markers for at least a first and second player, and the first console requests information on who is marking each player in the game.

This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/117,439, filed Nov. 13, 2013, which is a national stage of PCT Application No. PCT/SE2012/050508, filed May 5, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/485,942, filed May 13, 2011, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a method for golf score registration in a golf score registration system on a golf course comprising;

-   -   a terminal located in or near a clubhouse and/or a start box at         first tee with a console that allows each player to check in to         and check out of the system before and after a game of golf,     -   tee boxes located near each tee on the course with a console         that allows each player to enter scoring information from the         previously completed hole,     -   means for communication between boxes on the course and a         central unit, and     -   individual information carriers that each player brings on to         the course while playing,         where each console has at least one reader through which it can         communicate with said information carriers, and a display         indicating the function of respective reader.

The present invention also relates to a golf score registration system adapted to perform the inventive method, and a computer program product which, when executed by a computing device, enables the computing device to perform the steps of the inventive method.

PRIOR ART

In today's manual handling process with pen and paper score card, player and marker agree before the round to mark each other's scores.

The present invention relates to a corresponding process for marker selection in a system based on information carriers carried by each player and readers available on the consoles on each tee box.

In a known system the terminal in the Clubhouse has a computer and a screen or computer with a touch screen, printer and a reader for an information carrier.

Each golfer is assigned a personalized memory key or information carrier used for registration of scores and statistics out on the course.

Located at each Tee Box is a console that allows each player to enter scoring information from the previously completed hole. The console comprises a microprocessor, readers, multi-colour display; means to communicate with the Clubhouse terminal, such as GSM/GPRS modem or wire, information is also carried from the boxes to the terminal through each player with its personalized information carrier.

The player arrives to the Clubhouse. At the terminal he registers his arrival towards the booking system and downloads handicap information from the national handicapping organization. The terminal specifies parameters for the round to be played such as tee to play from, game type, affecting handicap or not, timing of the pace of play or not and persons to mark or to be marked by.

At the console by first tee all information registered in the terminal in the Clubhouse could be changed if needed.

After each hole the player register his own score and statistics by navigating with his information carrier in the console readers.

The information carriers store the information from each and every hole which information is uploaded after the round to the system database.

Scoring information from the consoles may also be sent to the system database to be used for leader boards, pace of play and live scoring.

Upon completion of the round, scoring and statistical information from the information carrier may be uploaded into a kiosk located in the clubhouse, which information may be automatically uploaded to the handicapping organization for adjustment.

This information may also be uploaded to a website on the internet for further analysis of the game.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION Problems

From the standpoint of a golf score registration system according to the technical field of invention it is a problem to manage a marker function where players on a group are able to mark each other's scores in order to fulfil different requirements to allow the scores to be submitted to a handicapping organization.

It is a problem to provide a simple way of automatic management of the marking process in a golf play.

It is also a problem to provide such functionality in different types of game styles, such as a game with shotgun start, where players do not start the game at first tee or close the game at last tee of the course.

Solution

With the purpose of solving one or several of the above problems, and on the basis of prior art such as it has been shown above and the indicated technical field, the present invention teaches that a first console provides the option to play a game with markers for at least a first and second player, and that the first console requests information on who is marking each player in the game.

If the first console is a console for the start of a golf game it is proposed that in the setup process of identifying markers the console gives a first reader the function to identify a first player to be marked and a second reader the function to identify a second player to act as a marker for the first player, where the display indicates the function of respective reader.

The present invention proposes that the first and second reader communicates with the information carriers of marker and the marked player simultaneously according to instructions given to the players on the display.

This can be done in different ways and the present invention proposes a process where:

-   -   a player selects the option “game with markers” on the console,     -   the first player allows its information carrier to communicate         with a reader indicated as “player” on the display and the         second player allows its information carrier to communicate with         a reader indicated as “marker” on the display, both at the same         time,     -   the name of the second player is shown as marker for the first         player on the display,     -   a request to indicate if further marker selection is to be made         or if the marker selection is completed is given on the display,     -   if further marker selection is to be made, then the process is         repeated, and     -   if the marker selection is completed, then the marker selection         is closed and the game can begin.

It is also proposed that the first and second reader communicates with the information carriers of marker and the marked player sequentially according to instructions given to the players on the display.

This can be done in different ways and the present invention proposes a process where

-   -   a player selects the option “game with markers” on the console,     -   the first player allows its information carrier to communicate         with a reader indicated as “player” on the display,     -   the name of the first player is shown on the display,     -   a request for the player to mark the first player is given on         the display,     -   the second player allows its information carrier to communicate         with a reader indicated as “marker” on the display,     -   the name of the second player is shown as marker for the first         player on the display,     -   a request to indicate if further marker selection is to be made         or if the marker selection is completed is given on the display,     -   if further marker selection is to be made, then the process is         repeated, and     -   if the marker selection is completed, then the marker selection         is closed and the game can begin.

In order to provide a possibility for a player to confirm the acceptance to be marked by another player, and regardless of if the readers communicates simultaneously or in sequence with the information carriers, it is proposed that before the request to indicate if further marker selection is to be made or if the marker selection is completed is given on the display the following steps are made in the marker setup process:

-   -   a request for the first player to confirm that the second player         is accepted as marker is given on the display, and     -   the first player allows its information carrier to communicate         with a reader indicated as “confirm marker” on the display if         the selection is accepted.

In order to provide the possibility for a player to check who is assigned to be the players marker at any time during the game it is proposed that each console provides the option for a player to request the information on by who said player is marked and/or whom said player is marking on the display of the console.

It is also proposed that the set up process of identifying markers can be remade if a new player joins the game, if a present player leaves the game or if a change of marker for a player is to be made during the game.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention where it is agreed that a second player will act as a marker of a first player to be marked, and where the second player uses the information carrier of the first player to enter scoring information of the first player in the tee boxes during the playing of a golf game, it is proposed that the first console is a console for final registration of the scoring information and checking out of a golf game after playing the golf game. In this embodiment it is proposed that, during registration of the final scoring information in the first console, the second player registers the final scoring information for the first player using the information carrier of the first player, and that the second player confirms the registered score of the first player with a signature.

If required or if the players wants to, it is also proposed that the first player confirms with a signature his/her score registered by the second player.

The set up procedure for markers is done at the first console at the start of a golf game, the present invention teaches that the first console can be the console belonging to the clubhouse terminal or the console by the tee for the first hole to be played, where the first hole to be played is the first hole of the course or a hole assigned as starting hole in a game with a shot gun start.

It is also proposed that the console at any tee box can function as the console of the start box at first tee, thus allowing each player to check in to and check out of the system before and after a game of golf from any console in order to enable games with shot gun starts where the game can start and stop from any tee.

It is also proposed that the players can access the system from any computer through a wide area network, thus enabling this any computer to function as the first console.

The present invention also relates to a golf score registration system on a golf course comprising;

-   -   a terminal located in or near a clubhouse and/or a start box at         first tee with a console adapted to allow each player to check         in to and check out of the system before and after a game of         golf,     -   tee boxes located near each tee on the course with a console         adapted to allow each player to enter scoring information from         the previously completed hole,     -   means for communication between boxes on the course and a         central unit, and     -   individual information carriers adapted to be brought on to the         course by each player while playing,

where each console has at least one reader adapted to communicate with the information carriers, and a display adapted to indicate the function of respective reader.

The present invention specifically teaches that a first console is adapted to provide the option to play a game with markers for at least a first and second player, and that the first console is adapted to request information on who is marking each player in the game.

In an embodiment where the first console is a console for the start of a golf game it is proposed that the console is adapted to provide a setup process of identifying markers, where the console is adapted to give a first reader the function to identify a first player to act as a marker and a second reader the function to identify a second player to be marked by the first player, and that the display is adapted to indicate the function of respective reader.

According to a first proposed embodiment the console is adapted to provide instructions to the players by means of the display, and the first and second reader are adapted to communicate with the information carriers of marker and the marked player simultaneously according to said given instructions.

This can be done in different ways, and one proposed way is that the console is adapted to provide the possibility for a player to select the option “game with markers”, and that if the selection is made, then the console is adapted to go through the steps of that:

-   -   the display is adapted to indicate a first reader as “player”         and a second reader as “marker”, the first reader is adapted to         communicate with the reader of the first player, and the second         reader is adapted to communicate with the reader of the second         player, both at the same time,     -   the display is adapted to show the name of the second player as         marker for the first player,     -   the console is adapted to request an indication on if further         marker selection is to be made or if the marker selection is         completed on the display,     -   if further marker selection is to be made, then the console is         adapted to repeat the process, and     -   if the marker selection is completed, then the console is         adapted to close the marker selection.

According to a second proposed embodiment the console is adapted to provide instructions to the players by means of the display, and the first and second reader are adapted to communicate with the information carriers of marker and the marked player sequentially according to the given instructions.

This can be done in different ways, and one proposed way is that the console is adapted to provide the possibility for a player to select the option “game with markers”, and that if the selection is made, then the console is adapted to go through the steps of that

-   -   the display is adapted to indicate a first reader as “player”         and a second reader as “marker”,     -   the first reader is adapted to communicate with the information         carrier of the first player,     -   the display is adapted to show the name of the first player,     -   the second reader is adapted to communicate with the information         carrier of the second player,     -   the console is adapted to show the name of the second player as         marker for the first player on the display,     -   the console is adapted to request an indication on if further         marker selection is to be made or if the marker selection is         completed on the display,     -   if further marker selection is to be made, then the console is         adapted to repeat the process, and     -   if the marker selection is completed, then the console is         adapted to close the marker selection.

Regardless of if the readers are adapted to communicate with the information carriers simultaneously or in sequence it is also proposed that before the request to indicate if further marker selection is to be made or if the marker selection is completed is given on the display, the console is adapted to go through the steps of that

-   -   the console is adapted to indicate a reader as “confirm marker”         and to request that the first player confirm that the second         player is accepted as marker on the display, and that     -   the reader is adapted to communicate with the information         carrier of the first player if the selection is accepted.

The present invention teaches that each console can be adapted to provide the option for a player to request the information on by who the player is marked and/or who the player is marking on the display.

It is also proposed that the console is adapted to provide a possibility to remake the set up process of identifying markers if a new player joins the game, if a present player leaves the game or if a change of marker for a player is to be made.

According to a third embodiment of the inventive system it is proposed that the first console is a console adapted to receive the final registration of the scoring information and to perform the checking out of a golf game after the golf game has been played. The first console is adapted to provide the option to register scores from a golf game played with markers where a second player assigned to act as a marker of a first player to be marked has used the information carrier of the first player to enter scoring information of the first player in the tee boxes during the playing of the game, and if this option is selected, the first console is adapted to:

-   -   request that the second player registers the final scoring         information for the first player using the information carrier         of the first player, and     -   request that the second player confirms the registered score of         the first player with a signature.

It is also proposed that the first console may be adapted to request that the first player confirms with a signature his/her score registered by the second player.

The present invention teaches that the console belonging to the clubhouse terminal or the console by the tee for the first hole to be played can be adapted to function as the first console.

The first hole to be played may be the first hole of the course or a hole assigned as starting hole in a game with other starting sequence, such as a shot gun start.

It is also proposed that the console at any tee box can be adapted to function as the console of the start box at first tee, thus allowing each player to check in to and check out of the system before and after a game of golf from any console in order to enable games with alternative start orders where the game can start and stop from any tee, such as shot gun starts.

According to one alternative embodiment of the present invention the system is adapted to be accessed by the players from any computer through a wide area network where this any computer can be adapted to function as the first console.

The present invention also relates to a computer program product comprising computer program code which, when executed by a computing device, enables the computing device to perform the steps of the inventive method, and thus act as a console in the inventive system.

The present invention also relates to a computer readable medium upon which computer program code according to the inventive computer program product is stored.

This can be any kind of computer readable medium, such as a communications network or any kind of non-volatile storage device.

Advantages

The advantages that foremost may be associated with a method, a system, a computer program product or a computer readable medium according to the present invention are that the invention provides the possibility to manage golf games with markers with an easily accessible set up process for the players that functions in all kinds of games, even games with alternative starting sequences, such as shot gun starts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A method, a system, a computer program product and a computer readable medium according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic and simplified illustration of a golf score registration system,

FIG. 2 is a schematic simplified view of a console, and

FIG. 3 is a schematic and simplified illustration of a computer program product and computer readable medium according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following, the present invention will be described with a reference to

FIG. 1 illustrating showing a golf score registration system 1 comprising a web server 11 with a database 11 a with an interface to a handicapping organization via an API.

Consoles 12 b, . . . , 12 n, being a part of boxes on the course are connected to the clubhouse server 13 via some means of communications 14, such as wireless communications or wired communication.

The clubhouse server or central unit 13 holds a local database 13 a that can be synchronized with the database of the handicapping organisation. The clubhouse server 13 is located in the clubhouse and is connected to a kiosk with a reader 12 a and a user interface or user terminal 15 for the use of players.

Club personnel can access the system 1 by means of a personnel terminal 16 for administration and management of the pace of play on the course in real time.

Presentation 17 of results such as leader board as well as pace of play is available in the clubhouse as well as in mobile or stationary devices 18 online during the game and through messages, such as SMS, after the game.

The system may also have a web interface 19 for administration, statistics and bookings via a wide area network A, such as the Internet.

Before a round a relation between a marker and a marked player is established in the system which facilitates handicapping prerequisites after the round in order to adjust player's handicap in a formal way stipulated by the National Golf Association in the country.

One way of doing this is to upload the player and marker relation from consoles 12 a, 12 b, . . . , 12 n where the game began to a database/web service 11, 11 a on internet and to pick up the result at the terminal in the clubhouse 15 or at the consoles 12 b, . . . , 12 n on the course after the round is played.

The present invention relates to a method for golf score registration in a golf score registration system 1 on a golf course. As shown above the system 1 comprises a terminal 15 located in or near a clubhouse and/or a start box at first tee with a console 12 a, 12 b that allows each player to check in to and check out of the system before and after a game of golf. It also comprises tee boxes located near each tee on the course with a console 12 b, . . . , 12 n that allows each player to enter scoring information from the previously completed hole and, as previously mentioned, means for communication 14 between boxes on the course and a central unit 13. In the system there are also individual information carriers that each player brings on to the course while playing.

The information carriers can be any kind of memory device with communication capabilities, where the readers on the consoles and the information carrier can be adapted to an information exchange through RFID, near field communication or any other kind of contactless communication.

FIG. 2 illustrates a console 2 showing that each console 2 has at least one reader 21, 22, 23 through which it can communicate with the information carriers, and a display 24 indicating the function of respective reader 21, 22, 23.

The present invention specifically teaches that a first console 2 provides the option to play a game with markers for at least a first and second player, and that the first console 2 requests information on who is marking each player in the game.

In an example where the first console is a console for the start of a golf game it is proposed that in the setup process of identifying markers the first console 2 gives a first reader 21 the function to identify a first player to be marked and a second reader 22 the function to identify a second player to act as a marker for the first player, and that the display 24 indicates the function of respective reader 21, 22.

Marker Selection is basically made in three steps:

-   -   assign player to be marked     -   assign marker     -   player to be marked confirm marker         where the third step of confirmation is optional.

In the first step the first player is punching his information carrier in a reader 21 marked PLAYER.

In the second step the second player, the marker, is punching his information carrier in a reader 22 marked MARKER.

In the last step the first player confirm the marker selection by punching his information carrier in a reader 23 marked PLAYER CONFIRM MARKER.

According to a first proposed embodiment it is proposed that the first and second reader 21, 22 communicates with the information carriers of marker and the marked player simultaneously according to instructions given to the players on the display 24.

This can also be done in a process where

-   -   a player selects the option “game with markers” on the console,     -   the first player allows its information carrier to communicate         with a reader 21 indicated as “player” on the display 24 and the         second player allows its information carrier to communicate with         a reader 22 indicated as “marker” on the display 24, both at the         same time,     -   the name of the second player is shown as marker for the first         player on the display 24,     -   a request to indicate if further marker selection is to be made         or if the marker selection is completed is given on the display         24,     -   if further marker selection is to be made, then the process is         repeated, and     -   if the marker selection is completed, then the marker selection         is closed and the game can begin.

According to a second proposed embodiment it is proposed that the first and second reader 21, 22 communicates with the information carriers of marker and the marked player sequentially according to instructions given to the players on the display 24.

This can be done in a process where

-   -   a player selects the option “game with markers” on the console         2,     -   the first player allows its information carrier to communicate         with a reader 21 indicated as “player” on the display 24,     -   the name of the first player is shown on the display 24,     -   a request for the player to mark the first player is given on         the display 24,     -   the second player allows its information carrier to communicate         with a reader 22 indicated as “marker” on the display,     -   the name of the second player is shown as marker for the first         player on the display 24,     -   a request to indicate if further marker selection is to be made         or if the marker selection is completed is given on the display         24,     -   if further marker selection is to be made, then the process is         repeated, and     -   if the marker selection is completed, then the marker selection         is closed and the game can begin.

Regardless of if the readers 21, 22 communicates with the information carriers simultaneously or sequentially it is proposed that before the request to indicate if further marker selection is to be made or if the marker selection is completed is given on the display,

-   -   a request for the first player to confirm that the second player         is accepted as marker is given on the display 24, and     -   the first player allows its information carrier to communicate         with a reader indicated as “confirm marker” 23 on the display if         the selection is accepted.

Each console 12 a, 12 b, . . . , 12 n may have the possibility to provide the option for a player to request the information on by who the player is marked and/or whom the player is marking on the display 24 any time during the game.

The set up process of identifying markers may be remade if a new player joins the game, if a present player leaves the game or if a change of marker for a player is to be made.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention where it is agreed between the players without making a registration in the system that a second player will act as a marker of a first player to be marked, and where the second player uses the information carrier of the first player to enter scoring information of the first player in the tee boxes during the playing of a golf game, it is proposed that a console for final registration of the scoring information and checking out of a golf game after playing the golf game is the first console (2) providing the option to play a game with markers. In this embodiment it is proposed that, during registration of the final scoring information in the first console (2), the second player registers the final scoring information for the first player using the information carrier of the first player, and that the second player confirms the registered score of the first player with a signature.

If required or if the players wants to, it is also proposed that the first player confirms with a signature his/her score registered by the second player.

The first console 2 may be the console belonging to the clubhouse terminal 12 a or the console by the tee for the first hole to be played 12 b, where the first hole to be played may be the first hole of the course or a hole assigned as starting hole in a game with a shot gun start.

The console at any tee box may function as the console 12 b of the start box at first tee, thus allowing each player to check in to and check out of the system before and after a game of golf from any console in order to enable games with shot gun starts where the game can start and stop from any tee.

The players may access the system from any computer 3 through a wide area network A, thus enabling that any computer 3 to be a part of the system 1 and function as the first console 2.

The present invention also relates to a golf score registration system on a golf course comprising;

-   -   a terminal 15 located in or near a clubhouse and/or a start box         at first tee with a console 12 a, 12 b adapted to allow each         player to check in to and check out of the system 1 before and         after a game of golf,     -   tee boxes located near each tee on the course with a console 12         b, . . . , 12 n adapted to allow each player to enter scoring         information from the previously completed hole,     -   means for communication 14 between boxes on the course and a         central unit 13, and     -   individual information carriers adapted to be brought on to the         course by each player while playing,         where each console 12 a, 12 b, . . . , 12 n, 2 has at least one         reader 21, 22, 23 adapted to communicate with the information         carriers, and a display 24 adapted to indicate the function of         respective reader 21, 22, 23.

A first console 2 is adapted to provide the option to play a game with markers for at least a first and second player, and the first console 2 is adapted to request information on who is marking each player in the game.

Where the first console is a console for the start of a golf game it may be adapted to provide a setup process of identifying markers, by adapting the console to give a first reader 21 the function to identify a first player to be marked and a second reader 22 the function to identify a second player to act as a marker for the first player, and by adapting the display 24 to indicate the function of respective reader 21, 22.

According to a first embodiment of the inventive system the console 2 is adapted to provide instructions to the players by means of the display 24, and the first and second reader 21, 22 are adapted to communicate with the information carriers of marker and the marked player simultaneously according to the given instructions.

This can be achieved by adapting the console 2 to provide the possibility for a player to select the option “game with markers”, and that if the selection is made, then the console is adapted to go through the steps of that

-   -   the display 24 is adapted to indicate a first reader 21 as         “player” and a second reader 22 as “marker”, the first reader 21         is adapted to communicate with the reader of the first player,         and the second reader 22 is adapted to communicate with the         reader of the second player, both at the same time,     -   the display 24 is adapted to show the name of the second player         as marker for the first player,     -   the console 2 is adapted to request an indication on if further         marker selection is to be made or if the marker selection is         completed on the display 24,     -   if further marker selection is to be made, then the console 2 is         adapted to repeat the process, and     -   if the marker selection is completed, then the console 2 is         adapted to close the marker selection.

According to a second embodiment of the inventive system 1 the console 2 is adapted to provide instructions to the players by means of the display 24, and the first and second reader 21, 22 are adapted to communicate with the information carriers of marker and the marked player sequentially according to the given instructions.

This can be achieved by adapting the console 2 to provide the possibility for a player to select the option “game with markers”, and that if the selection is made, then the console 2 is adapted to go through the steps of that

-   -   the display 24 is adapted to indicate a first reader 21 as         “player” and a second reader 22 as “marker”,     -   the first reader 21 is adapted to communicate with the         information carrier of the first player,     -   the display 24 is adapted to show the name of the first player,     -   the second reader 22 is adapted to communicate with the         information carrier of the second player,     -   the console 2 is adapted to show the name of the second player         as marker for the first player on the display 24,     -   the console 2 is adapted to request an indication on if further         marker selection is to be made or if the marker selection is         completed on the display 24,     -   if further marker selection is to be made, then the console 2 is         adapted to repeat the process, and     -   if the marker selection is completed, then the console 2 is         adapted to close the marker selection.

Regardless of simultaneous or sequential communication between the readers 21, 22 and information carriers it is proposed that before the request to indicate if further marker selection is to be made or if the marker selection is completed is given on the display 24, the console 2 is adapted to go through the steps of that

-   -   the console 2 is adapted to indicate a reader 23 as “confirm         marker” and to request that the first player confirm that the         second player is accepted as marker on the display, and that     -   the reader 23 is adapted to communicate with the information         carrier of the first player if the selection is accepted.

Each console 12 a, 12 b, . . . , 12 n may be adapted to provide the option for a player to request the information on by who the player is marked and/or who the player is marking on the display 24 any time during the game.

The console 2 may also be adapted to provide a possibility to remake the set up process of identifying markers if a new player joins the game, if a present player leaves the game or if a change of marker for a player is to be made.

According to a third embodiment of the inventive system 1 it is proposed that the first console 2 is a console adapted to receive the final registration of the scoring information and to perform the checking out of a golf game after the golf game has been played. The first console 2 is adapted to provide the option to register scores from a golf game played with markers where a second player assigned to act as a marker of a first player to be marked has used the information carrier of the first player to enter scoring information of the first player in the tee boxes during the playing of the game. If this option is selected, the first console is adapted to:

-   -   request that the second player registers the final scoring         information for the first player using the information carrier         of the first player, and     -   request that the second player confirms the registered score of         the first player with a signature.

It is also proposed that the first console may be adapted to request that the first player confirms with a signature his/her score registered by the second player.

The console 12 a belonging to the clubhouse terminal and/or the console by the tee for the first hole to be played may be adapted to function as the first console 2, where the first hole to be played can be the first hole of the course or a hole assigned as starting hole in a game with a shot gun start.

It is also proposed that the console 2 at any tee box is adapted to function as the console 12 b of the start box at first tee, thus allowing each player to check in to and check out of the system 1 before and after a game of golf from any console in order to enable games with shot gun starts where the game can start and stop from any tee.

In order to provide online access to the system it is proposed that the system 1 is adapted to be accessed by the players from any computer 3 through a wide area network A, and that this any computer 3 is adapted to function as the first console 2.

The present invention also relates to a computer program product 41 schematically illustrated in FIG. 3 comprising computer program code 41 a, which, when executed by a computing device 4, such as a console 2, enables the computing device 4 to perform the steps of an inventive method as described above.

The present invention also relates to a computer readable medium 42, in the figure schematically illustrated by a compact disc, upon which inventive computer program code 41 a is stored, which computer readable medium 42 can be any kind of computer readable medium, such as a non-volatile storage device.

In the description of the invention, and in the claims defining the scope of the invention, different words are used to describe options or instructions given to players by means of the display of a console. It should be understood that these exact word are only examples and do not limit the scope of the invention. Any other words or symbols providing the same meaning in giving an option or instruction to a player can also be used within the scope of the invention.

It will be understood that the invention is not restricted to the aforedescribed and illustrated exemplifying embodiments thereof and that modifications can be made within the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying Claims. 

1. A method for golf score registration in a golf score registration system on a golf course comprising; a terminal located in or near a clubhouse and/or a start box at first tee with a console that allows each player to check in to and check out of the system before and after a game of golf, tee boxes located near each tee on the course with a console that allows each player to enter scoring information from the previously completed hole, means for communication between boxes on the course and a central unit, and individual information carriers that each player brings on to the course while playing, wherein each console has at least one reader through which it can communicate with said information carriers, and a display indicating the function of respective reader, wherein a first console provides the option to play a game with markers for at least a first and second player, and wherein said first console requests information on who is marking each player in said game.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said first console is a console for the start of a golf game, wherein in the setup process of identifying markers said first console gives a first reader the function to identify a first player to be marked and a second reader the function to identify a second player to act as a marker for said first player, and wherein said display indicates the function of respective reader.
 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein said first and second reader communicates with the information carriers of marker and the marked player simultaneously according to instructions given to said players on said display.
 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein a player selects the option “game with markers” on said console, said first player allows its information carrier to communicate with a reader indicated as “player” on said display and said second player allows its information carrier to communicate with a reader indicated as “marker” on said display, both at the same time, the name of said second player is shown as marker for said first player on said display, a request to indicate if further marker selection is to be made or if the marker selection is completed is given on said display, if further marker selection is to be made, then the process is repeated, and if the marker selection is completed, then the marker selection is closed and the game can begin.
 5. The method according to claim 2, wherein said first and second reader communicates with the information carriers of marker and the marked player sequentially according to instructions given to said players on said display.
 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein a player selects the option “game with markers” on said console, said first player allows its information carrier to communicate with a reader indicated as “player” on said display, the name of said first player is shown on said display, a request for the player to mark said first player is given on said display, said second player allows its information carrier to communicate with a reader indicated as “marker” on said display, the name of said second player is shown as marker for said first player on said display, a request to indicate if further marker selection is to be made or if the marker selection is completed is given on said display, if further marker selection is to be made, then the process is repeated, and if the marker selection is completed, then the marker selection is closed and the game can begin.
 7. The method according to claim 4, wherein before said request to indicate if further marker selection is to be made or if the marker selection is completed is given on said display, a request for said first player to confirm that said second player is accepted as marker is given on said display, and said first player allows its information carrier to communicate with a reader indicated as “confirm marker” on said display if the selection is accepted.
 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein each console provides the option for a player to request the information on by who said player is marked and/or whom said player is marking on said display any time during the game.
 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein said set up process of identifying markers can be remade if a new player joins the game, if a present player leaves the game or if a change of marker for a player is to be made.
 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein, during the playing of a golf game, a second player assigned to act as a marker of a first player to be marked uses the information carrier of the first player to enter scoring information of said first player in said tee boxes, wherein said first console is a console for final registration of the scoring information and checking out of a golf game after playing the golf game, wherein, during registration of the final scoring information in said first console, said second player registers the final scoring information for said first player using the information carrier of said first player, and wherein said second player confirms the registered score of said first player with a signature.
 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein said first player confirms with a signature his/her score registered by said second player.
 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein said first console is the console belonging to the clubhouse terminal.
 13. The method according to claim 1, wherein said first console is the console by the tee for the first hole to be played.
 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the first hole to be played is the first hole of the course.
 15. The method according to claim 1, wherein a first hole to be played is a hole assigned as starting hole in a game with a shot gun start.
 16. The method according to claim 1, wherein the console at any tee box can function as the console of said start box at first tee, thus allowing each player to check in to and check out of the system before and after a game of golf from any console in order to enable games with shot gun starts where the game can start and stop from any tee.
 17. The method according to claim 1, wherein said players can access said system from any computer through a wide area network, and wherein said any computer functions as said first console.
 18. A golf score registration system on a golf course, comprising: a terminal located in or near a clubhouse and/or a start box at first tee with a console adapted to allow each player to check in to and check out of the system before and after a game of golf, tee boxes located near each tee on the course with a console adapted to allow each player to enter scoring information from the previously completed hole, means for communication between boxes on the course and a central unit, and individual information carriers adapted to be brought on to the course by each player while playing, wherein each console has at least one reader adapted to communicate with said information carriers, and a display adapted to indicate the function of respective reader, and wherein a first console is adapted to provide the option to play a game with markers for at least a first and second player, and wherein said first console is adapted to request information on who is marking each player in said game.
 19. The system according to claim 18, wherein said first console is a console adapted to function at the start of a golf game, wherein said first console is adapted to provide a setup process of identifying markers, wherein said console is adapted to give a first reader the function to identify a first player to be marked and a second reader the function to identify a second player act as a marker for said first player, and wherein said display is adapted to indicate the function of respective reader.
 20. The system according to claim 19, wherein said console is adapted to provide instructions to said players by means of said display, and wherein said first and second reader are adapted to communicate with the information carriers of marker and the marked player simultaneously according to said given instructions.
 21. The system according to claim 20, wherein said console is adapted to provide the possibility for a player to select the option “game with markers”, and wherein, if said selection is made, then said console is adapted to go through the steps of that said display is adapted to indicate a first reader as “player” and a second reader as “marker”, said first reader is adapted to communicate with the reader of said first player, and said second reader is adapted to communicate with the reader of said second player, both at the same time, said display is adapted to show the name of said second player as marker for said first player, said console is adapted to request an indication on if further marker selection is to be made or if the marker selection is completed on said display, if further marker selection is to be made, then said console is adapted to repeat the process, and if the marker selection is completed, then said console is adapted to close the marker selection.
 22. The system according to claim 19, wherein said console is adapted to provide instructions to said players by means of said display, and wherein said first and second reader are adapted to communicate with the information carriers of marker and the marked player sequentially according to said given instructions.
 23. The system according to claim 22, wherein said console is adapted to provide the possibility for a player to select the option “game with markers”, and wherein, if said selection is made, then said console is adapted to go through the steps of that said display is adapted to indicate a first reader as “player” and a second reader as “marker”, said first reader is adapted to communicate with the information carrier of said first player, said display is adapted to show the name of said first player, said second reader is adapted to communicate with the information carrier of said second player, said console is adapted to show the name of said second player as marker for said first player on said display, said console is adapted to request an indication on if further marker selection is to be made or if the marker selection is completed on said display, if further marker selection is to be made, then said console is adapted to repeat the process, and if the marker selection is completed, then said console is adapted to close the marker selection.
 24. The system according to claim 21, wherein, before said request to indicate if further marker selection is to be made or if the marker selection is completed is given on said display, said console is adapted to indicate a reader as “confirm marker” and to request that said first player confirm that said second player is accepted as marker on said display, and said reader is adapted to communicate with the information carrier of said first player if the selection is accepted.
 25. The system according to claim 18, wherein console is adapted to provide the option for a player to request the information on by who said player is marked and/or who said player is marking on said display any time during the game.
 26. The system according to claim 18, wherein said console is adapted to provide a possibility to remake said set up process of identifying markers if a new player joins the game, if a present player leaves the game or if a change of marker for a player is to be made.
 27. The system according to claim 18, wherein said first console is a console adapted to receive the final registration of the scoring information and to perform the checking out of a golf game after the golf game has been played, and wherein, if the option to play a game with markers has been selected, where a second player assigned to act as a marker of a first player to be marked has used the information carrier of the first player to enter scoring information of said first player in said tee boxes during the playing of a golf game, said first console is adapted to: request that said second player registers the final scoring information for said first player using the information carrier of said first player, and request that said second player confirms the registered score of said first player with a signature.
 28. The system according to claim 27, wherein said first console is adapted to request that said first player confirms with a signature his/her score registered by said second player.
 29. The system according to claim 18, wherein the console belonging to the clubhouse terminal is adapted to function as said first console.
 30. The system according to claim 18, wherein the console by the tee for the first hole to be played is adapted to function as said first console.
 31. The system according to claim 30, wherein the first hole to be played is the first hole of the course.
 32. The system according to claim 18, wherein a first hole to be played is a hole assigned as starting hole in a game with a shot gun start.
 33. The system according to claim 18, wherein the console at any tee box is adapted to function as the console of said start box at first tee, thus allowing each player to check in to and check out of the system before and after a game of golf from any console in order to enable games with shot gun starts where the game can start and stop from any tee.
 34. The system according to claim 18, wherein said system is adapted to be accessed by said players from any computer through a wide area network, and that said any computer is adapted to function as said first console.
 35. A computer program product comprising computer program code, wherein said computer program code, when executed by a computing device, enables said computing device to perform the steps of a method according to claim
 1. 36. A computer readable medium wherein computer program code according to claim 35 is stored on said computer readable medium.
 37. A computer readable medium according to claim 36, wherein said computer readable medium is a non-volatile storage device. 